A comprehensive encyclopedia of the National Hockey League offers a complete statistical record of the NHL players, including their pre-NHL careers, seven hundred profiles of hockey's greatest stars, a year-by-year chronology, a history of every NHL franchise, and more.

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Hockey has come a long way from its humble beginnings on the frozen ponds of Nova Scotia in the late 1700s. It has come so far, in fact, that many of its earliest practitioners may not recognize much of the game in the modern era. But the same thrilling combination of speed, strength, and skill that drew schoolboys onto the ice in the early days continues to pack arenas with hockey fans. Now, with the publication of the monster-sized Official Encyclopedia, every piece of information any dyed-in-the-wool hockey nut could ever hope to have is available. But you really don't have to be a stats junkie to welcome this excellent compendium. In fact, you don't have to know much about hockey at all, because the book covers everything--from the origins of the game on the lush fields of Ireland (surprisingly enough) to the 2006 Winter Olympics, and every imaginable point in between. Six thoroughly researched sections are broken down into more than 70 chapters covering the NHL and other North American leagues (including Junior, Minor, and Women's associations), international hockey, facets of the game, and yes--the number cruncher's most cherished friend--biographical and statistical information on just about anybody who ever touched a hockey stick. Make no mistake, this book is a load. Tuck it under your arm and you won't be going anywhere fast, but you'll go there well informed. --George Laney